sign up for the momlogic newsletter

The Dangerous Secrets Teens are Keeping

Monday, March 10, 2008
filed under: family

MomLogic's editor-in-chief Sabrina Weill on why teens sometimes keep key information away from their parents.

badgirls.jpg

Almost half of teens (47%) say they've never talked to their parents about sex, drugs, cigarettes, or alcohol, according to a study released today by WE tv and Harris (WE begins airing an 8-part docu-series tonight: High School Confidential which we plan to check out).

When researching my book about teens and sex, often teens would say (and believe) "My Mom would KILL me if she knew..." secrets ranging from a kiss with the "wrong boy" to a stolen after-school cigarette, and beyond.
Then I'd ask Moms: "How upset would you be about your child smoking ...drinking... having sex?" Unhappy, yes-- yet no Moms could name a crime that would make them want to kick their child out of the house (a major fear of teens).

Bottom line: If you don't explicitly tell teens what you expect and how you'd react if they smoke/drink/do drugs/have sex, they will make up their own version of your reaction and base their decisions on that--including the decision not to confide in you, even if they really need your help. Scary, no? Have you talked to your teen or tween about sex, drugs, or alcohol? How did you bring it up?



previous: Win it: Kelly Ripa's Daughter's T-Shirt!
next: Family Refutes JFK 'Love Child' Claim

filed under: family

3 comments so far | Post a comment now >>

 
“Have you talked to your teen or tween about sex, drugs, or alcohol?” Give me a break! If you wait until they’re a teen or a tween to talk to them you’ve already waited too long. You need to lay the foundation when they are little, little and teach them to respect their bodies and teach them THEN that drugs and alcohol are wrong. Birds and bees conversations are a complete waste.
- Ashley
Posted 03/11/08 01:17 PM
 
you cant scare teens with those commercials they have. honestly, the matter is pointless if not discussed BEFORE they are a teen. so.. Thats agreeable. The B&B conversation is a waste.. They’ll figure it out on their own! A parent being the first one to talk to your child about something like this is just awkward! face it! You’ll ruin your relationship if your bring the topic up too late. ( before 4th grade or so )
- Anonymous
Posted 03/25/08 11:32 PM
 
Food and Drug Administration: We may disclose to the FDA, or persons under jurisdiction of the FDA, PHI relative to adverse events with respect to drugs, foods, supplements, products and product defects, or post marketing surveillance information to enable product recalls, repairs, or replacement.
- buydrugs
Posted 09/10/08 10:39 PM
(not displayed)
  remember me?      
 

Avoid clicking “Post” more than once.

experts resources bloggers staff
follow us on twitter resource guides follow us on twitter staff
newsletter videos games twitter
newsletter sign up video gallery Momlogic games follow us on twitter
advertisement

WIN IT! This new game has some serious bite!
Enter Here
advertisement

WIN IT! This new game has some serious bite!

enter here

Click Here

 
coupons       More special offers     momsview coupons  

Maclaren Stroller Recall

find out more